In 2025, the labor market in the Republic of Moldova is going through a period of adjustment and growing maturity. Employee expectations are becoming more nuanced, and companies are being challenged to respond not just with salaries, but with benefit packages that are relevant and aligned with people’s real needs.

We are in a time when work-life balance is increasingly valued, and employees’ perception of their workplace goes far beyond compensation. Benefits are no longer a “nice to have”, they are part of what defines a healthy employment relationship.

A dissatisfaction expressed with clarity

According to the wherewework survey, 28.9% of employees in the Republic of Moldova have not received any salary increase in the last two years. In terms of salary satisfaction, 30% say they are dissatisfied, and 17.8% are very dissatisfied. Only 0.3% say they are fully satisfied with their current pay.

These figures point to a visible gap between what is offered and what feels fair. Discontent exists, but it is being expressed constructively, through a desire for better alignment between effort and recognition.

What benefits actually matter?

Beyond salary, employees in the Republic of Moldova want clarity, flexibility, and genuine support. 70% would be willing to change jobs if they received a better compensation and benefits package.

Currently, only 27.8% benefit from private health insurance, and just 4.4% have extended coverage for family members. 25.6% have access to remote or flexible work, and only 5.6% benefit from extended maternity or paternity support. 2.2% receive life insurance through their company.

When asked what benefits would actually make them stay longer at a company, 40% mentioned a more flexible work schedule, and 32.2% said they would only accept a higher offer depending on the benefits included.

It is worth noting that 91.1% believe that a higher base salary remains the most effective retention driver, but this does not negate the clear and growing demand for personalized, meaningful benefits.

Ready to explore better options

The survey shows that 78.9% of employees in the Republic of Moldova are open to changing jobs, and 36.7% are already actively looking. This is not impulsive behavior. It is a thoughtful search for a better fit between employee needs and employer offer.

The insights in this article are grounded in data from the Regional Survey: Salaries and Benefits – Balancing Expectations and Offers, conducted between April and June 2025 across Romania, Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria, Greece, and Hungary. With a total of 9,888 responses, including 990 employers and 8,898 employees, the study offers a deep and comparative look at how compensation and benefits are perceived and delivered across the region.

What can employees do?

The reality is that many workers feel stuck between low wages and limited options. But tools for real career navigation do exist, if you know where to look.

Platforms like wherewework exist for precisely this reason. By reading authentic anonymous employer reviews, candidates can get a real picture of what happens behind job descriptions. By writing their own honest reviews, they help build a more transparent and fair job market.

For those preparing to move on, wherewework offers tailored CV templates, not just for formatting, but for helping candidates tell their professional story. And through the job search feature, the platform becomes a gateway to employers who align with their values.

In a world where employees are expected to accept whatever is offered, these tools are a concrete form of agency.

Final thought

The labor market in Moldova is evolving, and employee voices are becoming clearer. It’s not just about salary. It’s about being heard, being seen, and feeling like your work actually means something.

The benefits that truly matter, flexible schedules, mental health support, emotional safety, professional growth, are not necessarily expensive. But ignoring them can be.

Employers who stick to the bare minimum will lose their most valuable people. Not because those people have to leave, but because they now know they deserve more.